Croke Park and Glasnevin Cemetery: A shared history

10th March 2014

Today sees the start of a new tourist bus route in Dublin, linking two of the Ireland’s most important and iconic historical sites as part of the new Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing tour bus “Blue Route”.

Croke Park is more than the home to our national games– it is a thriving modern sporting arena that has also played host to some of the most significant and influential events in Irish history, events that have helped to shape a nation and its people.

With over one million stories buried within its walls, a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum offers an intriguing journey through Ireland's past – from historical figures to ordinary people, divided by different pasts but united in their extraordinary stories.

A mile apart and located in Dublin’s historical north inner city, both sites share the opportunity for visitors of all ages to find out more about - and engage with - the past, ensuring a memorable experience. Now visitors to the capital can experience the shared histories of two of the country’s most famous landmarks.

Did you know...

Corkmen Michael Collins and Sam Maguire became friends while living in London where both were involved with the Geraldine’s GAA Club. Michael Collins was the Secretary of the Geraldine’s GAA club from 1909-1915. It was through the GAA that Collins was introduced to the I.R.B. A famous photograph taken before the 1921 Leinster Hurling Final in Croke Park features Michael Collins, Luke O’Toole and Harry Boland – this was Collins’ first major public appearance following the end of the War of Independence. Collins’ grave is one of most visited in Glasnevin Cemetery.

The saddest day in the history of Croke Park occurred on 21st November 1920 – Bloody Sunday – when 14 people were killed by British Auxiliary Forces during a football challenge match between Dublin and Tipperary. Many of these victims now rest in Glasnevin Cemetery, including Jane Boyle (26) who had attended the match with her fiancée.

Iconic GAA figures buried in Glasnevin Cemetery include the Association’s founder, Michael Cusack and Mayo native Patrick Nally – the man that Cusack described has having inspired him to establish the Association in 1884. Frank Dineen – former President of the GAA – purchased Croke Park in 1908 for the sum of £3,250. Five years later, the GAA’s finances had improved and the Association purchased Croke Park from Dineen for £3,500. Dineen died in 1916 at the age of 54 and is buried in Glasnevin. Other influential and significant GAA figures laid to rest in Glasnevin include Alderman James Nowlan, after whom Nowlan Park in Kilkenny is named, and Padraig Ó Caoimh who was General Secretary of the GAA from 1929-1964.